US is a nation of immigrants: Michelle Obama

Flaying the "disturbing and hateful" poll rhetoric, she says the country's pride and strength lie in its diversity.

April 07, 2016 10:50 am | Updated November 17, 2021 01:59 am IST - WASHINGTON:

First Lady Michelle Obama speaks during an event to celebrate Iranian New Year Nowruz on Wednesday in the East Room of the White House in Washington.

First Lady Michelle Obama speaks during an event to celebrate Iranian New Year Nowruz on Wednesday in the East Room of the White House in Washington.

Criticising the “disturbing and hateful” poll rhetoric, First Lady Michelle Obama has asserted that America is a “nation of immigrants” and diversity will always be its greatest strength.

“We think America is strongest when we recognise our many traditions, when we celebrate our diversity, and when we lift each other up,” Ms. Obama said during Nowruz celebrations at the White House on Wednesday.

‘Cherish the beautiful traditions and cultures’

“In times like these, when we think all — that’s more important than ever before, right now and today with what’s going on. Right now, when we’re hearing so much disturbing and hateful rhetoric, it is so important to remember that our diversity has been — and will always be — our greatest source of strength and pride here in the United States,” she said.

“We are a nation of immigrants. And we should cherish the talent and energy and the beautiful traditions and cultures that come with that heritage, not just today but every day,” she said.

Various festivals of various cultures at WH

In her remarks, she underscored the number of festivals of various cultures now the White House has been celebrating.

“I’m proud that here at the White House, we host special events to mark the holidays but we celebrate St Patrick’s Day, Diwali, Cinco de Mayo. And with your help, today, we’re celebrating Nowruz, which is one of our newest White House traditions,” Ms. Obama said.

On Nowruz

Nowruz, she has said, is a time to visit loved ones. It’s a time to reflect on the past year, and to renew hopes for the New Year to come.

Nowruz is a traditional Iranian festival of spring and considered as the beginning of the New Year among Iranians.

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